As the warmth of summer settles in, there’s a delightful discovery waiting for you in your kitchen. Picture this: the vibrant colors of fresh watermelon and juicy plums shimmering under the sun, all combined with the aromatic touch of shiso and a sprinkle of ume shiso salt. The first bite is an explosion of flavor sweetness and tanginess dancing together, creating a refreshing escape from the ordinary.
I stumbled upon this incredible combination during a lazy afternoon, craving something light yet exhilarating after a long week. This watermelon dish is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s a celebration of summer’s bounty, making it the perfect addition to gatherings or a solo midday snack. Simple to prepare and oh-so-satisfying, it’s a recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a star of the show. Let’s dive into this fresh, savory creation that promises to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your summer experience!
Why is Watermelon, Shiso, Plum, and Salt special?
Bursting with Flavor: The blend of juicy watermelon and sweet plums creates a refreshing taste that perfectly captures summer.
Unique Ingredients: Shiso leaves add a citrusy aroma, elevating this dish beyond ordinary fruit salads.
Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this gourmet-looking salad in no time.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a picnic or a casual family dinner, this dish impresses and delights.
Healthy Indulgence: Naturally hydrating and low in calories, it’s a guilt-free treat you can enjoy daily.
Watermelon, Shiso, Plum, and Salt Ingredients
For the Salad Base
• Watermelon – A juicy base that provides hydration; can substitute with cantaloupe for a different flavor.
• Fresh Plums – Introduces a sweet-tart note that complements the watermelon; any stone fruit, like peaches, can serve as a substitute.
For the Seasoning
• Ume Shiso Salt – Adds a salty, tangy flavor that enhances the watermelon; can substitute with regular sea salt mixed with a touch of vinegar for a similar effect.
• Fresh Shiso – Provides a unique citrusy aroma and flavor; if unavailable, fresh basil can be an alternative.
For the Kick
• Togarashi (optional) – Offers a spicy kick to balance the flavors; can be omitted or replaced by red pepper flakes for heat.
How to Make Watermelon, Shiso, Plum, and Salt
- Prepare Watermelon: Begin by cutting the watermelon into bite-sized cubes. Aim for even sizes to ensure a beautiful presentation and consistent flavor in every bite.
- Slice Plums: Next, halve and pit the fresh plums, then slice them into wedges. The sweet-tartness of the plums will harmonize beautifully with your watermelon.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large serving bowl, combine the watermelon cubes and plum slices. Gently toss them together to create a colorful, inviting fruit medley.
- Seasoning: Drizzle ume shiso salt over the fruit mixture, and gently toss to coat. This tangy seasoning enhances the natural sweetness of the fruits, creating a delightful balance.
- Garnish: Tear fresh shiso leaves and sprinkle them over the top of the salad. Their citrusy aroma will elevate the dish, adding a touch of sophistication.
- Optional Spice: If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle togarashi over the salad for added flavor. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Optional: Serve chilled for an extra refreshing touch on warm summer days.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Watermelon, Shiso, Plum, and Salt
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use ripe, juicy watermelon and plums for the best flavor. Overripe fruits can lead to a mushy texture that detracts from this refreshing dish.
- Seasoning Balance: Start with a small amount of ume shiso salt; it can be quite potent. Adjust gradually to suit your taste and avoid overpowering the natural fruit sweetness.
- Optimize Texture: To prevent the watermelon from becoming watery, serve the salad immediately after preparation. If storing, keep salt separate until serving time.
- Flavor Enhancements: Consider adding a squeeze of lime juice for an extra zesty kick, elevating the bright flavors in your watermelon, shiso, plum, and salt salad.
- Garnish Creativity: Experiment with garnishes; edible flowers or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can add visual appeal and subtle flavor twists to your vibrant dish.
What to Serve with Watermelon, Shiso, Plum, and Salt?
Embrace summer’s vibrant produce and create a lively meal with these delightful pairings.
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy, marinated chicken adds a savory element that balances the dish’s sweetness. Perfect for a summer barbecue vibe!
- Crispy Rice Paper Rolls: Fresh herbs and veggies wrapped in rice paper bring a light crunch and complement the watermelon’s juicy texture.
- Toasted Quinoa Salad: Nutty quinoa mixed with fresh veggies offers a wholesome, protein-packed contrast to the dish’s sweetness, making it a complete meal.
- Zesty Cucumber Salad: Refreshing and tangy cucumber salad enhances the overall lightness of your meal, providing a satisfying crunch and cooling effect.
- Sesame Soy Edamame: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sesame and a dash of soy brings a salty, umami-rich flavor that beautifully contrasts the palate-cleansing watermelon.
- Sparkling Lemonade: Refreshing and bubbly, this drink will elevate your dining experience, bringing a citrusy brightness that echoes the salad’s shiso notes.
- Mango Sorbet: For dessert, this light, fruity treat provides a sweet ending that pairs nicely with the flavors of watermelon and plum, keeping you cool in the summer heat.
- Honey Ginger Iced Tea: This soothing beverage adds a hint of sweetness and a warming spice that rounds out the refreshing elements of the meal wonderfully.
Watermelon, Shiso, Plum, and Salt Variations
Embrace your creativity in the kitchen by exploring these delightful twists on this refreshing summer dish.
- Melon Mix: Swap watermelon for cantaloupe or honeydew for a different flavor profile that still delivers juicy goodness.
- Stone Fruit Swap: Use fresh peaches or nectarines instead of plums to bring a sweet, fragrant twist to your salad.
- Herb Twists: If shiso is hard to find, try using fresh mint or basil for a fresh herbal note that complements the fruits beautifully.
- Flavor Replacement: Replace ume shiso salt with a little lime juice mixed with sea salt for a zesty alternative that brightens the dish.
- Fruity Boost: Add blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries for pops of sweetness and color, transforming your salad into a summer berry medley.
- Spice It Up: Incorporate chili lime seasoning instead of togarashi for a new level of heat that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the fruits.
- Nutty Crunch: Toss in toasted mint for a nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch, bringing additional texture to every bite.
- Vegan Delight: Top with a sprinkle of crushed, toasted almonds or walnuts for a protein boost that lends a nice crunch and healthy fats.
Storage Tips for Watermelon, Shiso, Plum, and Salt
Fridge: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but be aware that it may lose some texture over time.
Prepping Ahead: If making in advance, prepare the ingredients and mix them, but keep the ume shiso salt separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.
Room Temperature: Avoid leaving the salad out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety and retain the fruit’s quality.
Reheating: This watermelon, shiso, plum, and salt salad is best enjoyed cold; avoid reheating as it can also compromise the refreshing nature of the dish.
Make Ahead Options
These Watermelon, Shiso, Plum, and Salt preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can cube the watermelon and slice the plums up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. Prepare the ume shiso salt by mixing it with a little extra fresh shiso (chopped) and set it aside until you’re ready to serve. Just before serving, toss the prepped fruits with the seasoning and garnish with fresh shiso leaves for a burst of flavor. With this make-ahead strategy, you’ll enjoy a delightful, refreshing dish with minimal effort on those hectic summer evenings!
Watermelon, Shiso, Plum, and Salt Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe watermelon and plums?
Absolutely! When selecting watermelon, look for a field spot (the part that sat on the ground) that’s creamy yellow; this indicates ripeness. It should feel heavy for its size and have a nice round shape. For plums, pick ones that yield slightly to pressure when you gently squeeze them, and avoid those with dark spots or blemishes.
What is the best way to store leftover watermelon, shiso, plum, and salt salad?
Very good question! Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, to maintain the best texture and flavor, it’s best to keep the ume shiso salt separate until just before serving, as the salt can draw out moisture and make the salad watery.
Can I freeze this watermelon, shiso, plum, and salt salad?
While I generally don’t recommend freezing this salad due to the texture changes in watermelon and plums, if you do want to freeze it, here’s how: First, cut the watermelon and plums into cubes, then spread them out on a parchment-lined baking tray and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Using these fruits in smoothies post-freezing could still yield delicious results!
What should I do if the shiso leaves are wilted or unavailable?
No worries! If you can’t find fresh shiso leaves, look for ones that are vibrant and crisp. If you end up with wilted shiso, you can revive them by placing them in ice water for about 10 minutes before using. Alternatively, fresh basil is a lovely substitute; the taste will be different but still aromatic and refreshing!
Are there any dietary considerations for this dish?
Certainly! This watermelon, shiso, plum, and salt salad is naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it a great option for a wide range of dietary practices. However, if you or your guests have allergies, be cautious with substitutions—particularly if using flavored salts or spicy toppings like togarashi, as they may contain additional ingredients. Always check labels!
Watermelon, Shiso, and Plum Salad for Your Summer Glow
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by cutting the watermelon into bite-sized cubes.
- Halve and pit the fresh plums, then slice them into wedges.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the watermelon cubes and plum slices.
- Drizzle ume shiso salt over the fruit mixture and gently toss to coat.
- Tear fresh shiso leaves and sprinkle them over the top of the salad.
- If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle togarashi over the salad.